June 8, 2014

Today’s sermon discusses a difficult and dark topic – human trafficking.  The message is provided by Matt Vasquez, co-founder along with wife, Emily, of The Cause. The Cause is dedicated to eradicating human trafficking and educating people regarding this scourge on humanity.

“Prayer goes places that money can’t go.”  Matt Vasquez

Human trafficking is a tremendous problem in Oklahoma. It is a worldwide problem, to be sure, but it exists right here – in Oklahoma. Matt speaks with great passion about this horrible crime and what Christians are called to do in response to this sin.

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You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,
defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.
Psalm 10:17-18

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 4:35-41

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:12-14

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me  to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,  to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
Isaiah 61:1-3

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The Cause has partnered with Coast to Coast Central to build a farm in Kampong Thom, Cambodia, which will help sustain an orphanage of 80 children. The farm will provide all the funding necessary for the orphanage to attain sustainable efficiency, eliminating the need for monthly donors. The farm will not only provide the children with a home and a strong place of support, but they will also provide three meals a day, health care, and an education for the orphans. Through this project, many children will be able to experience loyalty for the first time, and this project will help give these children all the tools they need in order achieve success, as well as provide them with the opportunities to fulfill their dreams.